Principal

 

The Easter season is a time of hope. There still is fear, there still is a painful awareness of sinfulness, but there also is light breaking through. Something new is happening, something that goes beyond the changing moods of our life. We can be joyful or sad, optimistic or pessimistic, tranquil or angry, but the solid stream of God’s presence moves deeper than the small waves of our minds and hearts. Easter brings the awareness that God is present even when his presence is not directly noticed. Easter brings the good news that, although things seem to get worse in the world, the Evil One has already been overcome. Easter allows us to affirm that although God seems very distant and although we remain preoccupied with many little things, our Lord walks with us on the road and keeps explaining the Scriptures to us. Thus there are many rays of hope casting their light on our way through life.” 

Henri Nouwen

Term 1, 2025

We appreciate all students and families' involvement with the College in Term 1, 2025. The year is off to a strong beginning. Our new Year 7 students have transitioned well, learning to navigate the transition between primary and secondary school. They are organising their schedules across various subjects, participating in sports, arts, and cultural activities, and making new friends. While some may take longer to adjust, they will all succeed in time.

Our other students have also started positively. Years 11 and 12 present particular challenges as academic expectations and workloads intensify. Academic success requires commitment, effective planning, and excellent time management skills, especially for demanding study pathways. It's encouraging to see our senior students tackling the challenges within their chosen paths, whether rigorous science, maths subjects, or technical and trade courses. Many students blend school-based learning with traineeships, TAFE programs, and school-based apprenticeships, and they must also plan for success and effective learning.

Staff

We farewell Ms Kieren Waugh, Head of HPE, and Ms Deb Cadel. Ms Katelyn Alison will also be moving to a new position as she has completed her higher education studies.  We wish Kieren, Deb and Katelyn all the best in their future endeavours.

We welcome back to the College Ms Peta Ide as Head of HPE, and Ms Cathy Otto as Learning Support Officer to our Diversity Team. 

Attendance

Our school has a policy of encouraging 100% student attendance – all day, every day.  Every student's absence requires a valid reason.  Compulsory education is required by law; however, our concern is that regular absences can significantly affect student learning.

As a reminder, see below the cumulative effect of ongoing lateness and absence:

I thank each and every student for attending school as often as possible and thank all families for their support in helping our students to do so. 

Term 2, 2025

Term 2 commences on Tuesday, 22 April, and during this week, we will hold our Anzac Day Commemoration Service at the College. This service is always very well supported by our community, and this year, we will welcome visitors from HMAS Cairns, Catholic Education Services, Blue Care Mareeba, and Mareeba Shire Council. The Express Newspaper will also attend to photograph and report on the event. Parents and carers are welcome to attend, and we ask that you RSVP by phoning Maree Lopez on 4086 2518 or email mlopez@cns.catholic.edu.au.

Gary Conwell

ssm.principal@cns.catholic.edu.au

References

Nouwen, H. J. M. (2024, April 4). The Many Rays of Hope. 

Retrieved from https://henrinouwen.org/meditations/the-many-rays-of-hope